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Post by Buckslayer on Mar 5, 2007 19:44:15 GMT -4
anyone hunt/own these dogs?any good for birds?are they good with kids and family..
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Post by edmehlig on Mar 6, 2007 23:32:58 GMT -4
Buckslayer, I had one for 5 years before it died from Liver Cancer. All I can say is if there was a bird in the field, she would find it. As far as a family dog, you'll never find a more loving dog. All my dog wanted to do while in the house was to be part of the family. She just loved kids and loved to be petted and played with. When I had to put her down, I just cried like a baby!! It was the most difficult thing I ever had to do.
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Post by zodiakgsps on Mar 6, 2007 23:46:44 GMT -4
edmelhig, sorry to hear that, it's like losing a member of the family. Buckslayer, Springers can be good hunters, but be sure to look for field lines, many of the show lines have been bred for generations for just their looks and not their ability. A dual kennel would also be a choice, one that shows and competes.
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Post by edmehlig on Mar 7, 2007 23:41:39 GMT -4
Buckslayer, what zodiakgsps said is so true. If it comes from good genes, it makes training so much easier. My dog was retrieving at 8 weeks even though she was just retreiving the ball I was using. Also, I would also make sure you get the true English Springer vs the American Springer spaniel. The English are I believe a little smaller and its coat isn't as curly. If you like I can email you the breeder where I purchased my dog from.
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Post by fgmc1221 on Jul 26, 2007 23:11:23 GMT -4
If your not going for a pointing dog, in my opinion a good FIELD BRED springer was made for pheasants. Best meat and potatoes(e in pota.?) around. Show them birds, teach them to stay close and you have a hunting dog. Other than that you can refine them as you see fit. Dont be hard on a springer. You will ruin her/him. They usually like to please you and rewarding them for doing good works better than punishing them for doing wrong.
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Post by zodiakgsps on Jul 27, 2007 19:46:23 GMT -4
One cautionary word about Springers, they are known for having whats called "Springer rage syndrome"(they just snap for no reason & become very aggressive). Although this seems predominant in the show lines, I have seen some mostly field bred springers with it. Just a few years ago I had 5 grooming clients within 1 year badly bitten by their Springers(one had over 50 stitches). I haven't seen or heard of it much recently, but do your research when looking for a puppy.
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Post by The Invisible Man on Jul 28, 2007 7:47:36 GMT -4
Here's a pic of my springer. He's a field spaniel. As zodiak said do some research. This is my 3rd springer and none have shown signs of springer rage. I have heard of it,though. Springers are excellent hunters,if a flushing dog is what you want.
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Post by jimpic on Jul 29, 2007 11:36:37 GMT -4
One cautionary word about Springers, they are known for having whats called "Springer rage syndrome"(they just snap for no reason & become very aggressive). Although this seems predominant in the show lines, I have seen some mostly field bred springers with it. Just a few years ago I had 5 grooming clients within 1 year badly bitten by their Springers(one had over 50 stitches). I haven't seen or heard of it much recently, but do your research when looking for a puppy. I had a male Springer and he was a fine hunting dog but when he was around 3yrs old he got a little like what zodiak described.He kept going after my wife and I had to put him down
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Post by zodiakgsps on Jul 29, 2007 11:50:46 GMT -4
That's usually when it happens, after 2 years of age. The dogs I spoke of I groomed were fine as pups & got "bad" around 2 or 3.
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